Search by Name

Search by Name

Spann Watson Obituary

WATSON - Spann of Westbury, NY on April 15, 2010 in his 93rd year. Original member of theTuskegee Airman, 99th Fighter Squadron. Beloved husband of Edna. The family will receive friends at Donohue Cecere Funeral Home, 290 Post Ave., Westbury, NY (516)333-0615 on Tuesday 7-9PM and Wednesday 2-4 & 7-9PM. Eulogy service at the funeral home on Wednesday at 8PM. Interment in Arlington National Cemetery with fullmilitary honors at a date to bedetermined. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciatedonations in Spann's memory to: Tuition Assistance Program, Spann Watson Chapter, Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., P.O. Box 24073,Columbia, SC 29224-4073. www.donohue-cecere.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Newsday on Apr. 18, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Spann Watson

Not sure what to say?





Barbara Booker wood

April 18, 2019

To the Watson family. Honored to remember a kind and caring gentleman who I was privileged to work with at the federal aviation administration for many years. A man who loved his family and made many others feel like his family also. Col Watson brought joy to many. Rest in peace. Barbara Booker wood.

Janice Ferebee

April 13, 2011

May God's Angels surround and comfort the Watson family as the first anniversary of Lt. Col. Spann Watson's transition arrives. His work was done here, and now he is busy doing HIS work. Peace to the Watson Family - Janice Ferebee and the Ferebee Family (Westbury, NY).

Kevin Dowdell

April 13, 2011

Dear Watson Family, Span was a great man, as you know so well, and he was a terrific friend and supporter of my Dad Crawford Dowdell. You are fortunate to have had such an extraordinary man in your lives. I appreciated the few times I spent time with him. Sincerely,

Rosemarie Walker

July 30, 2010

To the family of LCol. Spann Watson - please accept our deepest sympathy and heartfelt gratitude. Spann spoke to the children of Powells Lane School for many years during Career Day. I appreciated that my sons had the opportunity to meet him and speak with him. May God grant you peace.

Typhani Gray

May 1, 2010

Well... i was doing a project on the Tuskegee Airmen and through my research i came along one of the airmen, Spann Watson. I saw a video of him at the 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama and i thought he was a cute and sweet old fellow. I searched him on google and saw that he recently passed away. I know that yall dont know me but i would truly like to send my condolences to his family , but hes in a better place. I wish i got a chance to meet such an amazing man, but maybe one day i will in heaven.

Audrey Hayes

April 23, 2010

Dear Watson Family,

You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. I had the delightful pleasure of meeting LCol Watson and his lovely wife, Edna, at his 90th birthday celebration as a guest of their dear friend, Mia Wilson.

I pray that you will find comfort in the fond memories that you shared together.

May the light of God surround you; the love of God enfold you; the power of God protect you; and the presence of God watchover the Watson family.

Sincerely,

April 23, 2010

To The Watson Family:
You have my deepest sympathy.It wasn't the length of LCOL Watson's days, but how he lived them.
On April 15, 2010 he boarded his last flight to GLORYLAND! May he rest in Peace.
Sincerely,
Oteria V. Wallace
Clifton Forge, Va.

Marion Carter

April 22, 2010

To the Watson Family,
Our deepest sympathy is extended to all. LCOL Watson was a friend to all who knew him. May God continue to comfort and strengthen you at this time.

Sonny and Marion Carter

Mia Wilson

April 22, 2010

There are no words that could ever really express how I feel. I will only say take comfort in knowing my dear dear friend is resting in the hands of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Deidre Ottley

April 21, 2010

To the Watson Family,
I had the pleasure of meeting Col. Watson in Dover, DE at a John H. Porter Chapter event in 2004. He was a joy to listen to, a wealth of knowledge, and a great American. In fact, the last time I saw him, he gave me a business card and I still have it. May he rest peacefully with the angels. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From a fellow Long Islander (Westhampton) now living in Delaware.

Kevin Dowdell

April 21, 2010

Dear Watson Family,

My father, Crawford B. Dowdell, went to Howard U. with LCOL Watson and they remained close for some seventy years. During that time, my Dad said LCOL Watson helped lead him to advance in life, including critical job opportunities when they were almost impossible to attain for black men. Consequently, the entire Dowdell family sends well deserved wishes of thanks, appreciation and honor to your family.

Sincerely,

Joleen Helton

April 21, 2010

My sincere sympathy to the family of LCOL Spann Watson. Col. Watson was a giant among men and served as a friend and an inspiration to many. My heart and thoughts are there with you.

Barbara Wood

April 21, 2010

To Mrs. Watson and Family
My deepest condolences is sent to you and your family. I met Col. Watson in the mid 1970's while employed at FAA, and has kept in touch every since. He enriched the lives of many of us during his affirmative action work at FAA. A true friend and mentor. His retirement party and his 90th birthday celebration are two occasions that I will never forget. Dr. MLK, Jr. once said "...life's most urgent and pressing question is...what are you doing for others"? Col. Watson answered that question because he did so much for so many that his story could never be fully told. May he rest in peace while his legacy lives on. I am here for the family if you need me in any way. Peace and Blessings.

Marie Williams

April 20, 2010

To the Watson Family:

You have my deepest condolences. Col. Watson made an unforgettable impact on everyone he helped or worked with. It is my prayer that your memories of all of the happy times that you shared with him will provide you with some comfort.

April 20, 2010

The Brewer family send their condolences! Col Watson paved the road for us all and lead by example! God Bless! (Gainesville, FL)

F Gardner

April 19, 2010

To the Watson Family:
I was blessed to have met this gentleman and have him share his life experiences at the 2010 FDA’s Black History Program here in New York City. He came to visit our facility during that last February’s snow storm. True to form he came in and revealed a life full of triumph, pain, sweat, love, mistakes, loss and most of all hope. I am proud to have been able to have shared the same room with this man who gave so much of himself to this country. The life that one lives is often not the one you dream and if you are lucky you get to do it. Our thoughts and prays are with the family for their loss. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Joanne Dowdell

April 19, 2010

To the Watson Family,

I echo my sister Carol's sentiments. My memories are of his sharp wit and clear point of view. He spoke his mind and was firm in his convictions. And then the smile. He had the warmest smile that made you feel welcomed. I greatly admired the friendship Spann and my father shared. From Howard to Tuskegee to President Obama's innauguration and now to their homegoing. Through the years they stayed connected and never lost touch. What an amazing man indeed, and how blessed I am to have know him.

My heartfelt condolences to each of you.

Warm regards,

Carol Dowdell-Cromer

April 18, 2010

To the Watson Family:
My father Crawford B. Dowdell considered Spann one of his dearest, closest friends. He gave Spann credit for many of his successes and his loyalty and devotion as a friend was never in doubt. His passing almost 1 year to the day of my father's homegoing left me sad but I know that the two friends are together again. Our family was so proud to have LCOL Watson speak at our Dad's services and he said, "There at the beginning, here at the end." Our sicere condolences to the family of such a great man. A true hero and an inspiration to many.
With much affection,

April 18, 2010

The Ferebee Family, Janice Ferebee, Annette Ferebee and Elliot Ferebee, send prayers of comfort, peace and fond memories to the Watson family during this time of great loss. We are honored to have known Mr. Watson (Spann to my father), a living legend, and know that many felt the same way. Be comforted in knowing that the heavens are a little brighter now that he is among the stars. May God Bless You All. Janice Ferebee and the Ferebee Family

Lola Williams

April 18, 2010

My sincerest sympathies to the family of LCOL Spann Watson. He was truly one of a kind who was always willing to help his fellow man. We will miss him!

Love,
Lola

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Make a Donation
in Spann Watson's name

Memorial Events
for Spann Watson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Spann's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Spann Watson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more